Sparks Fly At President-Elect Trump's First Press Conference

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in New York. The news conference was his first as President-elect.

Seth Wenig
/ AP Photo

Today on “Political Rewind,” no shortage of news! President-elect Donald Trump gave his first press conference in six months ... under a new cloud of controversy over unsubstantiated, but widely discussed, reports that Russia has been gathering potentially damaging information about Trump for years. Is this another example of "fake news," or do the reports bear further investigation?

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Trump's views on replacing Obamacare were also discussed. Reporters also pressed him on his continuing friendliness with Russia and Vladimir Putin. The Russia angle is of particular interest as Rex Tillerson attends confirmation hearings on a possible appointment as U.S. Secretary of State in the Trump administration.

In Georgia news, Governor Nathan Deal gave his annual State of the State address today, emphasizing education, and the need for lawmakers to address funding and the growing problem of failing schools. Our panel also discussed what lies ahead in terms of a so-called hospital "bed tax" and how the Georgia General Assembly is likely to take a wait and see approach, while Washington wrangles with the ACA.

The confirmation hearings of Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions for U.S. Attorney General had a Georgia angle today, as longtime Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis stepped to the microphone to speak on the importance of making a choice based on issues of race and equality.

A brief discussion of President Barack Obama's farewell address rounded out a very packed hour.